- China to expand unilateral visa-free entry to more countries.
- The visa-free transit period will be extended to 10 days.
- Local governments will offer vouchers to encourage tourism spending.
China is enhancing its visa policies as part of a push to revive its tourism sector, which has struggled since the pandemic. The government.
plans to extend the list of countries eligible for unilateral visa-free entry and increase the visa-free transit stay to 10 days. This move aims to attract more foreign visitors and ease travel restrictions.
China to Extend Visa-Free Stays and Attract More Tourists
The expanded visa-free policy follows last year’s relaxation of visa requirements for several nations, but tourism numbers are still lower than pre-pandemic levels. Despite a surge in visitors during 2024, foreign arrivals have reached just 63% of the 2019 figures. The new changes are part of a broader strategy to encourage more international travel and increase tourism spending within China.
Previously, China’s visa-free transit program allowed stays of 72 or 144 hours, depending on the city. Now, travelers from more than 50 countries, including the U.S., will benefit from the new policy, allowing for a longer and more flexible stay without a traditional visa.
The government’s measures come after last year’s decision to relax visa restrictions for multiple nations. Despite these changes, China’s tourism sector has yet to recover fully, with foreign visitor numbers in 2024 reaching only 63% of the figures from 2019.
To further boost the tourism sector, China is encouraging local governments to issue vouchers and provide bonds for cultural and tourism projects. These incentives are designed to increase tourism-related spending and stimulate the economy by attracting more international visitors.
The expansion of China’s visa-free transit program reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to revive its tourism industry, offering greater ease of travel for international tourists and stimulating local economies.
“Visa-free travel is now possible for citizens of 38 countries, while China has also relaxed entry rules for transit passengers.”
